Could the Packers make a deal before the deadline?
The November 5 NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and logic would suggest the Green Bay Packers should be buyers.
Not necessarily.
Although the Packers are competing in the NFC North and believe they have a shot at the Super Bowl, it may not prevent them from selling before the deadline. General manager Brian Gutekunst won’t actively look to move on from good players, but if a team makes a good offer at a position of strength, why not?
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that Packers edge-rusher Preston Smith and tackle Andre Dillard are “generating interest in trade discussions” before the upcoming deadline.
Packers could trade for Preston Smith or Andre Dillard before the deadline
Teams are reportedly interested, but should the Packers consider a deal?
Preston Smith
In a win-now season, moving on from a veteran pass-rusher like Smith doesn’t seem to make much sense, especially given the Packers’ issues generating pressure on quarterbacks. Rashan Gary is the only defensive end on the roster to play more snaps than Smith this season.
However, there is a scenario where it could work. Perhaps the Packers believe their pass rush would improve by getting Kingsley Enagbare or Lukas Van Ness more involved, allowing them to make a deal for Smith. Maybe they plan to use the additional draft capital to make a move for a younger edge-rusher or cornerback.
But if the Packers don’t intend to buy at the deadline, trading Smith for a Day 3 pick could hurt their pass-rushing depth without enough of a reward. Considering Green Bay ranks 30th in pass-rush win rate this season (per ESPN), it would be a risky move.
Andre Dillard
Trading Dillard makes more sense. The former first-rounder played well enough in the preseason to show teams he can provide adequate cover, and quality tackle play is hard to find in the NFL. But the opportunities haven’t been there in Green Bay, with Dillard regularly a healthy scratch on gamedays. Kadeem Telfort is the preferred choice as the swing tackle, and Green Bay has versatility across the offensive line.
Sign a player to an affordable deal in the offseason and then trade him for a draft pick before he even plays a game? That would be great business for the Packers.
The risk? If they suffer a run of injuries at tackle, they could end up regretting the move, especially late in the season.
But if a team is willing to offer a Day 3 pick for a player who isn’t even active most Sundays, they have to do it.
The Packers traded Rasul Douglas before last year’s deadline. It was a strange decision even though the team was 2-5, but it shows they are willing to trade good players if the deal is right.
All eyes are on Smith and Dillard in the days and weeks ahead.